Is Retinol Really Effective for Skin Rejuvenation?

With so much hype and misinformation associated with the marketing of anti-aging skin care products, it can be difficult to determine what actually works for improving the texture and appearance of aging skin. One skin care ingredient that’s been promoted heavily for skin rejuvenation is retinol. Is there truth behind the widely claimed benefits of usin retinol for skin rejuvenation?

Retinol is a purified form of vitamin A which is thought to stimulate collagen product when applied directly to the skin. It does this by stimulating skin fibroblasts, the cells that produce collagen, and by inhibiting the action of enzymes that promote breakdown of the skin’s collagen support structure.

The limiting factor with many skin care products that advertise that they promote collagen production is that the molecules are unable to penetrate deeply enough to gain access to the dermis where the fibroblasts are located. Hence, they’re unable to stimulate collagen synthesis despite their advertising claims. This where the retinol molecule is different. It has the ability to penetrate the outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, and gain access to the inner dermis where it can stimulate the fibroblasts to produce more collagen.

The ability to gain access to the dermis and stimulate collagen production gives retinol the ability to improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles as well as counteract some of the skin damage created by years of sun exposure. Retinol also increases the thickness of the outer skin layer, the epidermis. This results in a skin with a finer, more translucent texture as well as a reduction in skin roughness.

Do studies confirm that retinol works to improve the appearance of aging skin? A study performed on 31 subjects to test the effects of retinol on skin texture and appearance. The individuals had a 0.4% retinol solution applied to one arm and a placebo to the other. Not only did the arm that received the retinol show improvement in skin roughness and texture, but a skin biopsy revealed an increase in the precursors of collagen synthesis, suggesting that collagen production was being stimulated. In addition, retinol has been used by dermatologists and physicians for many years as an anti-aging cream with good results.

It appears that retinol is effective both in improving the texture of the skin as well as reducing the appearance of fine lines. By stimulating collagen production, it may also compensate for some of the solar damage accrued over the years. Although you can buy dilute retinol formulations over the counter, they may not have the same benefit as prescription formulations available from your doctor. Because prescription strict retinol in the form of Retin-A and its derivatives may be too irritating for some people’s skin, it may be prudent to start with a lower strength, non-prescription formulation and advance to the prescription form if results aren’t achieved. Remember to always wear a sunblock when using retinol since it increases sensitivity to the sun.

4 Inexpensive Anti-Aging Skin Products You Need to Have

Have you visited a cosmetics counter lately? The cost of anti-aging skin care products is no laughing matter. These cleverly marketed products all promise to restore youthful skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. While some of them may help to enhance the appearance of aging skin, you can get positive anti-aging skin benefits with a few simple products that won’t break the bank. Anti-aging skin care doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Here are four products you need to add to your anti-aging arsenal:

An effective sunscreen

If you could have only one product in your anti-aging skin care program, this should be it. Photo aging from the powerful rays of the sun is the number one cause of skin wrinkling and aging. Simply wearing a sunscreen on a daily basis can offset much of the damage that causes your skin to wrinkle and sag. It’s important to use a sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 15 and one that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Learn to apply it correctly and reapply it every two hours or anytime you get wet or sweaty. If you’re worried about harmful chemicals in sunscreen, choose one that’s PABA and paraben free.

Exfoliating pads

These simple, inexpensive, little pads you buy at your drugstore can do wonders for revitalizing the appearance of skin. Regular exfoliation using facial exfoliating pads helps to remove dead surface skin cells that can cause skin to look dull, dry, and aged. Choose exfoliating pads specifically designed for the face since ones for the body can be too abrasive. To use them, simply dampen the exfoliating pad with warm water and a small amount of moisturizing cream. Wet your face and gently rotate the pad around your face in a circular motion several times. Don’t apply too much pressure or you could cause a facial abrasion. Rinse with cold water and admire your fresh, more youthful complexion.

An all natural face moisturizer

Forget the savvy sales messages that try to sell you an overpriced moisturizing cream. One of the cheapest and most effective anti-aging facial moisturizers is glycerin which can be found at your local health food store. Why is glycerin so effective? When you apply it to your skin, it draws moisture from the air to keep your skin soft and well lubricated. To make a simple spray-on moisturizer using glycerin, add one part glycerin to one part distilled water and place into a spray bottle. Shake the bottle to ensure proper mixing. You can also add Vitamins C and E for even more skin care benefits. Spray this mixture on your face several times a day. It’s inexpensive, effective, and non-toxic.

Dried herbs and steamed water

A quick way to refresh your skin and make it look younger is to do a steam facial using all natural herbs. Bring a pan of water to a boil. Add herbs of your choice and allow the pan to simmer on low heat for five minutes. After pulling your hair away from your face create a tent out of a towel and lean over the pan allowing the steam to hit your face. Stay in this position for ten minutes. Splash your face with cool water and add moisturizer. Your skin should look rejuvenated.

Anti-aging skin care doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg to be effective. Give these safe, effective, all-natural skin care remedies a try and enjoy younger looking skin.